Trip to Kobe, Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Kobe

Upon your arrival in Kobe, you can settle into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to do some shopping in the evening. The Kobe Harborland, a large shopping and entertainment complex, is a must-visit. It has over 100 shops, a Ferris wheel, and many gourmet restaurants. You can also stroll around the Kobe Bay area, which lights up in the night and provides a serene environment to unwind.

Day 2: Sightseeing around Kobe

Start your day by taking a stroll around the Kitano-cho district, which features western-style houses that were built by foreign residents during the Meiji era. These houses have been converted into museums, cafes and boutiques. You can also spend some time at the Meriken Park, named after the nearby port, which is a great place to take photos with the iconic Kobe Port Tower as a backdrop. In the evening, head to the vibrant downtown area of Sannomiya, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars

Day 3: Tour of Nada’s Sake District

Take a tour of the Nada district, which is famous for its sake. You can visit several breweries, each with their own unique brewing methods and flavors. Tasting sessions are also available, where you can sample various types of sake. In the evening, head to the rooftop bar of the ANA Crowne Plaza hotel, which provides stunning views of the city.

Day 4: Visit Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan, located about 40 minutes by train from Kobe. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the various hot springs, which range from sulphur springs to iron springs. You can also take a tour around the quaint town of Arima, which has many old-fashioned inns and restaurants.

Day 5: Kobe Beef and Chinatown

No trip to Kobe is complete without sampling its famous Kobe beef. Head to a local steakhouse to try this delicacy that is known for its tenderness and marbling. In the evening, head to Kobe’s Chinatown, which is one of the largest in Japan. You can sample delicious Chinese food, like dumplings and noodles, and check out the various shops selling Chinese goods.

Day 6: Himeji Castle day trip

Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most famous and picturesque castles. It’s widely regarded as the finest surviving example of medieval Japanese castle architecture. It’s a bit of a journey (a short train ride to Himeji and then a short walk) but it’s absolutely worth it! The castle has been immaculately preserved, and it’s a fantastic way to gain insight into Japan’s feudal past.

Day 7: Kobe Cable Car & Meriken Park

Ride the Kobe Cable Car up to the top of Mount Rokko, which provides beautiful views of Kobe and Osaka Bay. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Awaji Island! After coming back from your cable car tour, explore the waterfront area around Meriken Park one last time, take some more photos and do some last-minute shopping before your evening departure.

Have an amazing trip to Kobe, Japan!

Trip to Kobe, Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Kobe

Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a limousine bus to your hotel in Kobe, which takes about 70 minutes and costs around 1800 Yen per person. Check in to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 2: City Tour of Kobe

Start your day by visiting the Kitano district which is home to European-style houses and is a vital cultural asset of Kobe. Visit the Kobe City Earthquake Memorial Museum that recreates the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake of 1995 that decimated the city. You can also visit Nunobiki Herb Garden to take in its sights and head to the mountain observatory for panoramic views of Kobe below.

Day 3: Himeji Castle and Gardens Tour

Take a train from Kobe to Himeji, the Kansai area’s most prominent castle that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you’re finished exploring Himeji Castle, go to the Koko-en Garden to take in a view of the gorgeous Japanese garden on the grounds.

Day 4: Free Day in Kobe

Enjoy a free day to relax after an eventful couple of days or consider going to the Kobe Port Tower, love the views from the observation deck and take a stroll around the city. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Arima Onsen, a quintessential Japanese hot spring town.

Day 5: Shopping Day

Enjoy shopping on Mosaic Mall’s seafront boutiques, international brands, and souvenir shops, and visit the Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping District. The area is also host to various restaurants to try some excellent Japanese cuisine, including the region’s iconic dish, Kobe beef.

Day 6: Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway

Take a scenic ride on the ropeway and get a fantastic bird’s eye view of the scenic hills. Take a stroll around the beautiful botanical garden all the way to downtown Kobe.

Day 7: Departure

When it’s time to go, head back to the airport through a limousine bus booked from your hotel. You can also take a direct train that takes about 60 minutes to reach the airport and costs around 900 yen per person.